Renovations can be stressful for both humans and pets.
Did you know that a Cat's Hearing range is between 45 to 64 kHz, while a human's Hearing range is up to 20 kHz?
If you are renovating your home, you should place your cats in boarding, a pet hotel or with a trusted friend to avoid exposing them to the loud noise and dust.
However, what can you do if your neighbour is renovating? With some careful planning, you can help minimize the impact on your cats.
Let's look at how to keep Your cats calm during renovations.
1. Communicate with Your Neighbours:
If possible, communicate with your neighbours or their contractor to enquire about duration of the renovations, the type of work being done (e.g. hacking of walls and tiles usually contributes to majority of the noise), and the planned schedule, in order for you to be aware of the duration of the noise.
2. Create a Safe Space:
Set up a designated area in your home where your cats can retreat to during the renovations, such as a quieter room further away from the source of renovation, equipped with their litter boxes, food, water, some bedding and toys. For example, if your neighbour above is renovating their kitchen, place the cats in the room furthest away from your kitchen. Provide hiding spots like cardboard boxes, cat trees or cozy bedding where your cats can retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.
3. Close Doors and Windows:
Keep doors & windows closed to minimize the noise, turn on the aircon to keep them cool and comfortable. As cats may be panicky and on high alert during this stressful period, be extra careful with your doors to prevent your cats from escaping outside.
4. Maintain Routine:
Stick to your cats' regular feeding, playtime & sleep schedules as much as possible to provide them with a sense of normalcy & security. It may be easier for you to be out of the home to escape the loud noise, however, being around may make them feel more at ease.
5. Stay Calm:
Cats can pick up on your stress & anxiety , so try to remain calm & composed during the renovations to help reassure them. Keep checking on them to ensure they are doing fine or spend most of your time in the room that they are isolated in.
6. Use Background Noise:
Play calming music or white noise to help drown out the sounds of the renovations. You can also turn on your aircon, fans and TV to create other noises that they are used to.
7. Avoid External Stressors:
As it is already stressful enough for your cats to have to tolerate the constant noise during their sleeping hours, try to avoid scheduling non-urgent vet visits or grooming session during this period, which may add to their stress.
By implementing these strategies, you can help minimize stress & ensure your cats feel safe & secure during the renovations.
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